First Grade · Math · week 12

Build 34, 47, 52 with rods & units

Physically represent two-digit numbers using base-ten rods (tens) and unit cubes (ones).

This week you build real numbers with rods and units. A rod stands for one ten (ten little cubes stuck together); a unit is one single cube. To build 34, grab 3 rods and 4 units.

Building a number this way lets you SEE the value, not just say it. Count the rods, count the units, and check that they match the number.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • If you do not have base-ten blocks, bundle straws or craft sticks into groups of ten with rubber bands to act as rods.
  • Have your child build the number, say it out loud, then write it -- all three steps matter.
  • Mix up the order you ask for (rods first, or the total number first) so they are flexible both ways.
  • Double-check by counting every unit and rod out loud when a number feels shaky.
Talk about it:
  • How many rods do you need to build 47?
  • What is the difference between a rod and a unit?
  • How would you build the number 30 with no leftover units?

Mastery looks like: They accurately build any two-digit number to 99 using the correct number of rods and units.

Common stumbles: Using the wrong number of rods or units; forgetting that zero units is still a valid amount, like in 60.

See it visually

Interactive, spoken-aloud tools that show this idea in motion.

Place ValueWatch ones, tens, hundreds, and thousands build big numbers.try →
Homework for this lessonType it, write it with a stylus, or print it for pencil & paper.open →
Records attendance + 15 min of Math for this learner.
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